Sizzling Spanish Chicken Recipe: A Flavorful Fiesta on Your Plate

Whipping up a mouthwatering spanish chicken dish promises a delightful culinary adventure that transports you straight to sunny mediterranean kitchens.

Fragrant spices and vibrant ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that awakens your taste buds.

Tender chicken breasts marinate in a blend of paprika, garlic, and olive oil, infusing each bite with authentic spanish charm.

Home cooks can easily master this simple yet impressive recipe that brings warmth and excitement to weeknight dinners.

Regional techniques blend seamlessly with accessible ingredients, making this dish both traditional and approachable.

Succulent and packed with bold flavors, this spanish chicken will become a go-to meal that sparks conversation and satisfies hungry appetites.

Grab your skillet and let the cooking magic begin!

How To Cook Delia Smith Spanish Chicken

Step 1: Create Flavor Explosion

Combine paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk these spices together until they’re perfectly blended, creating a mouthwatering seasoning mix that will make your chicken sing with flavor.

Step 2: Prepare Chicken for Magic

Drizzle olive oil over the chicken pieces, massaging the oil to ensure every inch is covered. Sprinkle half of the spice mixture generously over the chicken, coating each piece thoroughly.

Step 3: Sear Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the seasoned chicken into the hot pan, allowing each piece to develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until the exterior turns crispy and delicious. Transfer the chicken to a separate plate.

Step 4: Build Flavorful Rice Base

In the same skillet, pour in chicken broth, add rice, squeeze fresh lemon juice, and sprinkle the remaining seasoning mix. Stir everything together, scraping up any delicious browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 5: Create One-Pan Wonder

Gently nestle the seared chicken pieces on top of the rice mixture. Cover the skillet with a tight-fitting lid and let everything simmer slowly. Cook for 20-25 minutes until the rice is tender and the chicken is cooked through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve with Flair

Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped herbs like parsley or cilantro over the top. Add bright, thin lemon slices for a pop of color and extra zesty flavor. Serve hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up with excitement.

Smart Ideas For Delia Smith Spanish Chicken

• Boost Flavor Intensity: Add extra smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to heighten the seasoning's depth and create a more robust taste profile.
• Perfect Rice Texture: Rinse rice beforehand to remove excess starch, ensuring fluffy and separated grains that absorb the delicious chicken broth.
• Crisp Chicken Skin: Pat chicken dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful golden-brown exterior with maximum crispiness during browning.
• Herb Freshness Hack: Chop herbs just before serving to preserve their vibrant color and release maximum aromatic oils for a brighter presentation.
• Low-Carb Swap: Replace rice with cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly version that maintains the dish's delicious Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Different Ways To Enjoy Delia Smith Spanish Chicken

• Spicy Paprika Chicken: Replace regular seasoning with smoked paprika, cayenne, and chili powder for a bold, fiery kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Chicken: Swap original seasonings with oregano, thyme, rosemary, and za'atar for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Low-Carb Cauliflower Rice Option: Substitute regular rice with cauliflower rice to reduce carbohydrates and add extra vegetables.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free broth and ensure all seasonings are certified gluten-free for sensitive individuals.

What Pairs Well With Delia Smith Spanish Chicken

• Pair Zesty Spanish Chicken with Bright White Wine: Choose a crisp Albariño or Verdejo from Spain's wine regions to complement the dish's citrusy and herbal notes.
• Complement with Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve a rustic Spanish bread like pan con tomate to soak up the flavorful pan juices and add textural contrast.
• Match with Fresh Citrus Salad: Create a light side salad with oranges, arugula, and a simple vinaigrette to enhance the recipe's lemony undertones and provide a refreshing counterpoint.
• Enhance with Roasted Garlic Aioli: Prepare a quick garlic aioli as a dipping sauce, which will add creamy richness and boost the chicken's Mediterranean flavor profile.

How To Keep Delia Smith Spanish Chicken Fresh

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chicken and rice separate for best texture. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Transfer cooled chicken and rice to freezer-safe containers. Seal tightly, removing excess air. Freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chicken and rice in microwave-safe dish. Sprinkle 1-2 tablespoons water or broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
• Warm chicken and rice in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of broth or water. Stir gently to prevent sticking.

Your Questions Answered About Delia Smith Spanish Chicken

• What type of rice works best for this recipe?

Long-grain white rice is ideal as it absorbs flavors well and maintains a fluffy texture during the cooking process.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are more forgiving, stay juicier, and can enhance the overall flavor of the dish.

• How spicy is this Spanish chicken recipe?

The seasoning blend provides a mild, balanced flavor with subtle warmth, not overly spicy. You can adjust spice levels by increasing or reducing hot paprika.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this dish?

A large skillet with a tight-fitting lid is the only specialized equipment required. A standard non-stick or cast-iron skillet works perfectly for this recipe.

What’s Special About Delia Smith Spanish Chicken

• Spice Up Your Meal: Packed with bold, zesty seasonings that transform ordinary chicken into a flavor explosion perfect for adventurous taste buds.
• Simplify Cooking: Requires just one skillet, minimal prep work, and straightforward steps that make this dish accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Create a Crowd-Pleaser: Combines tender chicken with aromatic rice and bright herb garnishes, making it an ideal choice for family dinners or casual gatherings with friends.
• Master One-Pot Magic: Eliminates multiple dishes and complicated techniques, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality meal with minimal cleanup and maximum satisfaction.

What Goes Into Delia Smith Spanish Chicken

• Chicken: Tender meat that forms the core of this Spanish-inspired dish.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika, Garlic Powder, Oregano: A flavorful mix that enhances the chicken's taste and adds depth to the recipe.

• Olive Oil: Helps brown the chicken and adds rich flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Provides moisture and additional savory depth to the rice.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and a tangy citrus note to balance the flavors.

• Fresh Herbs, Lemon Slices: Provide a fresh, aromatic garnish that brightens the final presentation.

• White Rice: Serves as a hearty base that absorbs the delicious cooking liquids and seasonings.

Spanish Chicken Recipe

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4.7 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 53 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor the rich flavors of Spanish chicken, a culinary journey through Spain’s vibrant gastronomy. Juicy chicken, aromatic spices, and bold ingredients create a memorable Mediterranean-inspired feast you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or 6 chicken thighs

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon coriander
• 0.25 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Other Ingredients:

• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) vegetable or canola oil
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) uncooked white rice
• 2.5 cups (600 milliliters) low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 lemon (half juiced, half sliced)
• Chopped cilantro or parsley, for garnish

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Instructions

1. Combine aromatic spices in a small mixing bowl, creating a vibrant seasoning blend.
2. Generously coat chicken pieces with olive oil, then thoroughly rub with half of the prepared spice mixture.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear chicken until golden brown, approximately 3-4 minutes per side. Transfer protein to a separate plate.
4. In the same skillet, pour broth and incorporate remaining seasoning, rice, and tangy lemon juice. Stir ingredients to ensure even distribution.
5. Gently place seared chicken atop the rice mixture, allowing flavors to meld. Cover skillet and reduce heat to low, simmering for 20-22 minutes until rice becomes tender and chicken is fully cooked.
6. Enhance presentation by garnishing with freshly chopped herbs and bright lemon slices just before serving.

Notes

• Customize spice blend by adjusting heat levels with different peppers or adding smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
• Choose bone-in chicken thighs for extra moisture and richer taste, ensuring juicier results than chicken breasts.
• Create a gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce and confirming broth is certified gluten-free.
• Elevate presentation by garnishing with toasted pine nuts or quick-pickled red onions for added texture and brightness.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 48 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Spanish

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 440 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg